Travel between the Philippines and Australia just became faster, easier, and more exciting with the launch of Jetstar Airways’ new direct flights linking Perth and Manila. The inaugural service touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Friday, November 28, greeted by lively Filipino performances that gave 169 arriving passengers a warm Manila welcome.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the opening of the route is more than an operational milestone—it is a meaningful step toward strengthening ties with one of the world’s largest countries and a key market for Philippine tourism.
“This flight represents more than just travel; it symbolizes our commitment to offering opportunities for tourism and business, making it easier for travelers to fly to Manila and further connect the Philippines to the world,” she said.
Jetstar’s six-hour, 35-minute Perth–Manila flights will run three times a week—Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—on 232-seat aircraft. Flight JQ80 departs Manila at 5:35 a.m. and lands in Perth at 1:00 p.m., while JQ81 leaves Perth at 9:10 p.m. and arrives in Manila at 4:15 a.m., giving passengers convenient connections in both directions.
Cebu gets its first Brisbane link
The Queen City of the South is also gearing up for a tourism boost. Cebu will soon enjoy its first direct connection to Brisbane through a new seasonal service operating from December 3, 2025 to May 16, 2026. The flights will run every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday—opening a fresh gateway for Australians eager to explore Cebu’s beaches, food scene, and heritage sites.
With both Manila and Cebu gaining direct access from Australia, DOT officials say the momentum is strong as the Philippines positions itself as a top-of-mind destination for Aussies seeking tropical escapes and authentic cultural experiences.
Secretary Frasco says this push goes beyond visitor numbers. “The vision is clear—the Philippines is so much more than a destination measured by tourist arrivals. It is an experience that is enriching, immersing, and sustaining,” she stated, adding that enhanced air connectivity provides new opportunities for communities and boosts the country’s competitiveness on the global tourism stage.
Why Australians keep coming back
Australia has risen to become the Philippines’ fifth-largest inbound market. From January to March 2025 alone, 271,207 Australian visitors arrived—roughly 5 percent of total tourist arrivals—with more than half returning to rediscover the country.
Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Puerto Princesa, and Boracay remain Aussie favorites, offering a mix of luxury resorts, pristine beaches, island-hopping, and vibrant nightlife.
Vacation remains the top motivation for 66 percent of Australian tourists, who come for leisure, entertainment, and shopping. Filipino cuisine is also making its mark—58 percent of Aussies brought home local delicacies, highlighting the growing appeal of Philippine gastronomy.
Expanding tourism through better air links
The DOT says direct flights are instrumental in transforming the country’s tourism strategy. By making travel seamless for key markets like Australia, the Philippines is aligning with its National Tourism Development Plan, which prioritizes increased air access and diversified routes.
As of November, 15 new international direct routes have already launched this year—solidifying efforts to develop both primary and secondary gateways across the archipelago.
At the NAIA Terminal 3 reception, DOT Director Azucena C. Pallugna, DOT personnel, and tourism stakeholders also welcomed passengers from Jetstar’s inaugural Perth-Manila flight, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Philippine-Australian travel.